The matter had been addressed by the Assembly in the 2018 state budget last April. Statewide sexual harassment policy legislation was negotiated among the Assembly, State Senate and governor and it represents a compromise agreed to by three diverse branches of state government.

Subsequently, I learned that a group of victims of sexual harassment who worked in the Legislature said the legislation and policy do not go far enough to address their harassment.

I communicated that information to the Assembly speaker, and requested that review and discussion about the sexual harassment policy continues.

In the elections this November, we may elect a Democratic majority in the State Senate that will be responsible for that body’s negotiations on sexual harassment policy and many other issues next year.

While I didn’t add my name to a letter on the subject, I made my recommendation directly to the speaker and his top staff. Every employee of state government – indeed, every employee in New York State – should enjoy a workplace free from sexual harassment and intimidation.